Sermons on Paul Barreca:

Do We Still Need The Local Church?

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 12, 2012

This message examines whether or not you should leave your local church to meet in a home church.

My own memories of church. I remember going to church EVERY SUNDAY. The place was Grace Protestant Church, on 92nd street in Canarsie (a portion of Brooklyn). I remember The church bell, which was rung by Uncle Henry reminding everyone on the block that it was time for church. I remember that after ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christmas - A Hijacked Holiday Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Dec 3, 2013

CHRISTMAS has been hijacked in America. And unlike the latest Tim Allen movie, it’s not Santa who needs to be rescued. It’s the very meaning of Christmas itself.

This week, we begin a new series titled, "Christmas Through the Ages." Beginning with the current celebration of Christmas, we will travel back in time, looking at Christmas celebrations, until we arrive at the very first Christmas. Today we begin with Christmas 2013 - A Hijacked Holiday." What ...read more

Scripture: 2 Kings 18:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christmas 1914- Peace In No-Man's Land Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Dec 8, 2013

“Peace on earth” is a familiar Christmas greeting. However, it is as elusive today as it was 2,000 years ago. Did Christ then fail in his mission in coming to earth?

Today is the second message in our series, “Christmas Through the Ages.” Today, we travel back 99 years to 1914. I chose 1914 instead of 1913 because 1914 was a monumental year. APRIL 15, 1914 marked the sinking of the Titanic. In July and August the nations of Europe declared ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:19-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

James - Servant Of God Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 7, 2014

The way that JAMES introduces himself tells us that he possesses the character trait of HUMILITY. Today we want to learn about that character trait so that we can apply it to the way that we relate to others.

James, Servant of God James 1:1 How do you introduce yourself? The way you introduce yourself says a lot about you. SOME.... Tell you their life story. SOME.... Ask questions about the other person. SOME.... Wait to be introduced. Whether it is on a RESUME, or at a PARTY, or your FIRST DAY at a ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Your Work Matters To God Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 27, 2013

God provides for us and demonstrates his love by blessing our labor.

(Title borrowed from the title of an excellent book by Doug Sherman and William Hendricks) Do you love going to work? According to a Forbes Magazine article, “Finding Your Dream Job” Joel Garfinkle, founder of Dream Job Coaching in Oakland, Calif says that “87% of workers are unhappy with their ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 1:27-30, Genesis 30:25-43

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Avoid Destructive Conflict Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 27, 2013

The story of Rachel and Leah's fight over mandrakes can teach us an important lesson about avoiding conflict!

My wife asked me “What is your sermon on?” I told her “Rachel and Leah and their argument over Mandrakes” Her response was “Well, How does that apply to my life?” That's a good question, but I can assure you that the story of Rachel and Leah's fight over ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 30:14-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Hard Way - Why God Uses Diffictul People In Our Lives Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Feb 2, 2013

Today we want to remember that GOD uses difficult people to build our character, to make us stronger. Such people reveal hidden faults and deepen our trust in God

Charles R. Swindoll provides the following story which he calls “Tension in the Tank.” "In the northeastern United States, codfish are not only delectable, they are a big commercial business. There's a market for eastern cod all over, especially in sections farthest removed from the ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Wrestling With God Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Mar 2, 2013

Here, God empties Jacob of his NATURAL effort and teaches Jacob to trust Him completely.

What images come to mind when I mention the word wrestling? For some, it is an image of a High school wrestling match. Others happily envision Dad wrestling with his son. And a few of us think of the theater of “professional wrestling” with Iron Rings of death and tag team death ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 32:1-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Know That Your Faith Is Real Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 20, 2014

James warns us against False Faith and Faithless Works.

Sermon Notes May 4, 2014 How to Know that Your Faith is Real James 2:14-26 There is a tremendous difference between something that is REAL and something that is FAKE. When our children were young one of their favorite gifts for their mom was a bottle of knock-off perfume. Perhaps you remember ...read more

Scripture: James 2:18-26

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Value Of A Mother's Faith

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 20, 2014

A mother's faith can be used by God to save her child.

Two of my sisters are here with us today, so I must indulge in a few family stories! The first is the night we thought we lost mom. Just after Thanksgiving last year, the family was gathered for a dinner at my house. Mom had just returned from visiting my sisters in New York. She was having ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:21-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Power Of Our Words Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 27, 2014

Our words reveal what our heart contains, so listen carefully to yourself to see whether or not your faith is real.

Consider this short poem entitled “Power of Words:” A careless word may kindle strife A cruel word may wreak a life A bitter word may hate instill A brutal word may smite and kill A gracious word may smooth the way A joyous word may light the day A timely word may lessen stress A ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Tests For The Tongue Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 2, 2014

Nuclear power can be harnessed to bring destruction or benefit. The same is true for our tongue.

Sermon Notes June 1, 2014 Tests for the Tongue James 1:5-12 At 5 AM on July 16, 1945, in northern New Mexico, the pre-dawn sky was instantaneously illuminated by the blinding flash. The mushroom cloud from the first Atomic detonation spilled upward for 40,000 feet and was visible for 60 ...read more

Scripture: James 3:4-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Peace That Comes From Heavenly Wisdom Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 10, 2014

James describes how to identify counterfeit earthly wisdom and enjoy the inner peace that comes from heavenly wisdom.

There is a familiar picture of a man at the base of a lighthouse, standing in an open door. A giant wave smashing against the lighthouse, but the man seems oblivious to the danger around him. The picture is called“Lighthouse in the Storm” and was taken by French photographer Jean ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Walk Like A Man

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 24, 2014

KING DAVID is an excellent example of a godly man. He was the killer of bears, lions and Giant Philistines! He was a warrior, Poet, Soldier, Leader. Look at how David encourage his son Solomon to be a man!

We have many ideas concerning what it means to “be a man.” - power - independence - athletic achievement This is an important consideration for us in our day and age. For the first time in American history, there is great GENDER CONFUSION. Boys don’t know what it means to be boys, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 2:1-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Root Of Your Problem Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jun 24, 2014

When we follow worldly wisdom, the evidence will be demonstrate in the quarrels and fights that occur in our churches and in our other relationships. The problem is solved when we humble ourselves before God and before others.

“A new movie, “Fight Church,” raises the unusual question: “Can you love your neighbor while kneeing him in the face?” (Source: ABC news, abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/church-fight-club-pits-pastor-pastor-23188184 The documentary, by directors Daniel Junge and Bryan ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational